CTF_Crasher, the Most Interesting New TF2 Map in Years

I’ve found myself occasionally leaping back into TF2 these days. I’m not sure why, maybe I just miss the mixture of arena shooter mechanics and incredible character design/writing. But anyway, with Scream Fortress 2022 in full swing, I’ve had a chance to play all the new maps, and I really really like ctf_crasher. Overview For those who haven’t tried it, ctf_crasher is the first ‘new’ game mode we’ve received in years. While nominally Capture the Flag, it’s actually ‘reverse CTF’ in that both teams are trying to deliver their bomb to the enemy camp. And whichever character carries their team’s… [Continue Reading]

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D&D 5e: Why You Should Play a Dex Paladin

Paladin is an incredible class, possibly the most reliable all-rounder in D&D. Between their tankiness, damage output, healing output, magic steed, and sky-high Charisma, they’re an incredible choice for new and old players. When I GMed a solo adventure to introduce the system to my boyfriend, I knew Paladin was the best class to let him experience everything D&D has to offer. But there’s one Paladin playstyle I don’t hear talked about often, and that’s the Dex Paladin. Normally, Paladins are the iconic Strength class, thanks to their heavy armor and predilection for melee combat. But I happen to believe… [Continue Reading]

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Counter Triangle Counter Square

Woo boy, it’s been a long time since I wrote a Team Fortress 2 article, but even though I hardly play any more, there’s something to be said about the unusual balance in TF2. Team Fortress 2 has always been a circle of classes and class counters. This counters that. That counters something else. Really, you have two kinds of counters. The counter triangle and the counter square. It’s all to do with how classes counter each other. The Counter Square is somewhat obvious and obscure at the same time. You know how a Pyro counters a Spy, right? Well… [Continue Reading]

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Which classes in TF2 are Specialists and which are Generalists?

SPUF goes through phases when it comes to things to argue about. Some debates are seasonal like holiday updates, some are deceased like the Gunslinger, and others are eternal like random crits and autobalance. But one that crops up every now and then is the question of Specialists v. Generalists. It’s generally agreed that some classes in TF2 are more specialized than others. Engineer can do a number of things well, but he’s rather pigeon-holed into those categories especially when compared to Scout and Demoman. Where to draw the actual line regarding which classes are “Generalist” engenders much debate, with Soldier being the only one… [Continue Reading]

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The Art of Taunt Killing

I love taunt kills. So weird and wonderful, and yet, almost completely useless. But performing a successful execution is beautiful. It’s the embodiment of satisfaction, tension and humiliation wrapped up in a bow, and all you have to do is deliver the present to the person of your choice. It’s one of many ways TF2 sets itself apart from the tedious, generic shooter. I like the applications for it as well. Going for the oblivious Sniper who doesn’t have situational awareness, praying for a cheeky kill at the end of a lost round, hoping for the lucky kill if you’re… [Continue Reading]

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Why I think you should give Dirty Bomb a chance

Dirty bomb is one of my favorite games, I love the diverse class options, different counter play mechanics, fast paced fire fights, and massive emphasis on team coordination that the game provides. However the game does not come without its flaws, those being a less than stellar payment model, and a small map selection. Of course Dirty Bomb is still in beta and new characters are being added regularly, if you haven’t played it for a while come back and see whats new. It’s free on steam and the rotation changes every 2 weeks. Anyway my reasons for writing this… [Continue Reading]

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